Burt Reynolds, American actor and director

Burt Reynolds: A Legendary American Actor and Cultural Icon

Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. (February 11, 1936 – September 6, 2018) captivated audiences for decades, becoming an enduring American actor, a quintessential sex symbol, and an unmistakable icon of American popular culture. With his charismatic smile, self-deprecating humor, and rugged yet charming demeanor, Reynolds effortlessly blended raw masculinity with an approachable, often mischievous, sensibility that resonated deeply with the public.

Early Career: From Television Stardom to Film Foreshadowing

Reynolds' journey to stardom began on the small screen, where he first gained significant prominence. He became a familiar face in popular television series:

• Gunsmoke (1962–1965): As Quint Asper, a half-Comanche blacksmith, Reynolds honed his acting skills in this long-running and highly acclaimed Western, establishing a strong fan base.
• Hawk (1966): He starred as a Native American detective in New York City, a groundbreaking role that showcased his versatility in a more contemporary setting.
• Dan August (1970–1971): Reynolds took on the lead as a homicide detective, solidifying his status as a leading man on television and preparing him for a burgeoning film career.

While establishing himself on television, Reynolds also took on leading roles in films such as Navajo Joe (1966), a Spaghetti Western that would later achieve cult status, and the more conventional Western 100 Rifles (1969). These early cinematic ventures hinted at the star power he would soon unleash on a global scale.

The Breakthrough: Deliverance and the Rise to Film Stardom

Despite his growing recognition, it was his intense and critically acclaimed performance as Lewis Medlock in John Boorman's harrowing thriller, Deliverance (1972), that marked his true breakthrough. This challenging role, set against the backdrop of a dangerous canoe trip, not only proved Reynolds' capabilities as a serious dramatic actor but also transformed him into a major Hollywood star, paving the way for a string of unprecedented box-office successes.

The Reign of the "Lovable Rogue": A Box-Office Phenomenon

Following Deliverance, Reynolds embraced and perfected the persona of the "lovable rogue," a charismatic, often rebellious, yet inherently good-hearted character that became his signature. This era saw him dominate the box office with a remarkable series of hits, many of which he also directed himself:

• White Lightning (1973): A high-octane action film that cemented his image as a Southern anti-hero.
• The Longest Yard (1974): Blending sports and comedy, this film showcased his athletic prowess and comedic timing, earning him a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
• Smokey and the Bandit (1977): A cultural phenomenon, this iconic action-comedy became a massive box-office success and remains one of his most beloved films, epitomizing his charming, rebellious persona.
• Semi-Tough (1977): A sports comedy that further displayed his versatility.
• The End (1978): A dark comedy which he also directed.
• Hooper (1978): A tribute to stuntmen, a film he directed and starred in.
• Starting Over (1979): A romantic comedy for which he received another Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
• Smokey and the Bandit II (1980): The highly anticipated sequel to his biggest hit.
• The Cannonball Run (1981): An all-star ensemble comedy that became another major success.
• Sharky's Machine (1981): A gritty action thriller which he also directed, showcasing a darker side.
• The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982): A musical comedy where he starred alongside Dolly Parton.
• Cannonball Run II (1984): The second sequel to the popular race film.

Beyond live-action films, Reynolds also lent his distinctive voice to animated features, most notably as Charlie B. Barkin in Don Bluth's animated classic, All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989), further cementing his broad appeal.

Unprecedented Stardom: The World's Number One Box-Office Star

From 1978 to 1982, Burt Reynolds held an unprecedented reign as the world's number one box-office star in the annual Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll. This extraordinary achievement, a testament to his immense popularity and drawing power, places him in an exclusive club, sharing this remarkable record with only one other legend, Bing Crosby. During this period, his name alone was often enough to guarantee a film's commercial success, making him arguably the most bankable star in Hollywood.

Career Resurgence: Television Triumph and Critical Acclaim

Following a period of less commercial success in film, Reynolds made a triumphant return to television, starring in the popular sitcom Evening Shade (1990–1994). His portrayal of Wood Newton, a former professional football player who returns to coach a high school team in rural Arkansas, resonated with audiences and critics alike. This role earned him both a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, signaling a powerful comeback.

However, it was his transformative performance as Jack Horner, a high-minded pornographer, in Paul Thomas Anderson's critically acclaimed film Boogie Nights (1997), that truly redefined his dramatic capabilities. This complex and nuanced role brought him renewed critical attention, securing him another Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture. Furthermore, he received nominations for the prestigious Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor, marking a significant late-career artistic resurgence and solidifying his legacy as an actor of profound depth and range.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burt Reynolds

What made Burt Reynolds a "sex symbol" and "icon of American popular culture"?

Burt Reynolds' appeal stemmed from his unique blend of rugged good looks, a confident yet approachable demeanor, and a captivating, often self-deprecating, sense of humor. He embodied a particular brand of masculinity that was both aspirational and relatable, making him a dominant figure in entertainment and a reflection of American cultural sensibilities throughout the 1970s and 80s.

Which of Burt Reynolds' films are considered his most iconic?

While he had many successful films, Deliverance (1972) is celebrated for its critical acclaim and dramatic impact, establishing him as a serious actor. Smokey and the Bandit (1977) is arguably his most iconic and culturally significant film, defining his "lovable rogue" persona and becoming a massive box-office hit. Other notable films include The Longest Yard (1974) and The Cannonball Run (1981).

Did Burt Reynolds direct any of his own films?

Yes, Burt Reynolds directed several of the films he starred in, showcasing his versatility behind the camera as well. Notable directorial credits include Gator (1976), The End (1978), Hooper (1978), and Sharky's Machine (1981).

What major awards did Burt Reynolds win or get nominated for?

Burt Reynolds received numerous accolades throughout his career. He won a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in the TV series Evening Shade (1990–1994). For his film work, he won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for Boogie Nights (1997), for which he also received nominations for an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also received two earlier Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for The Longest Yard (1974) and Starting Over (1979).

How long was Burt Reynolds considered the world's number one box-office star?

Burt Reynolds was voted the world's number one box-office star for an impressive five consecutive years, from 1978 to 1982, in the annual Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll. This record for sustained commercial dominance is a testament to his immense popularity during that era, a feat he shares only with Bing Crosby.